After receiving his B.S. from Stony Brook University, New York, in Earth and Space Sciences and an M.S. in Geology from South Carolina in 1980, Dr. Goodman began his professional career with Shell in New Orleans as Senior Geologist, where he explored for oil and gas onshore Texas and offshore Louisiana. After earning his doctorate in Geological Sciences at the University of California-Santa Barbara (UCSB), he joined Exxon Production Research Co. in 1989 where he worked on regional studies of global basins, Geoscience research Planning, then was promoted to Senior Research Supervisor.

After the merger with Mobil, he began a series of leadership assignments, including Exploration Technology Coordinator, Gulf of Mexico Exploration Manager, Middle East Production Manager, Angola Operations Technical Manager (Development and Production) and Research Manager. After retiring from ExxonMobil in early 2014, he joined VAALCO Energy (NYSE: EGY) as Vice President Business Development and New Ventures, reporting directly to the CEO and negotiating and closing on A&D deals in Africa and US Lower 48, while interfacing closely with investment banks on M&A, acquisitions, direct investment, joint ventures and strategic partnerships. He left VAALCO in 2017 and started Real Upstream Holdings LLC. He currently serves on two Advisory Boards.

Dr. Goodman served as AAPG Distinguished Lecturer in 2002-2003 and UCSB Distinguished Alumnus in 2007. He has two grown children and resides in Sugar Land, Texas.